Plastics production comprises the main process steps synthesis (reaction) preparation
compounding at the raw material manufacturer and compounder and processing (shaping into
semi-finished or finished products). In this handbook the central middle step preparation and
compounding is discussed. The preparation tasks include the removal of components the
incorporation of additives and the change of particle size. Compounding is the incorporation
of additives into a polymer or plastic. The process engineering fundamentals and the specific
equipment and machines used are described. The specialist authors impart their knowledge from
the fields of research polymer production and equipment machine production with applications
in plastics technology.
